Ashley's Dream - one of the top meetings of 2009
In a moving presentation last mkonth, Don Peters presented his case for further support, this time from Rotary Club of Hout Bay, of the "Ashley Awards".
Joining Don in the presentation was Linzi Frost, the district Rotaract representative. It was a great evening to have so many youngsters with us.
These awards, created from the Ashley Kaimowitz Fund, are to honour and help in the education of a promising youngster who has given support to the community in the sphere that most interested young Ashley - support to children suffering from abuse and cases of rape.
Don's presentation was especially moving with the presence of Megan Kaimowitz, Ashley's mother.... a lovely person to talk to and especially appreciative of all the work undertaken by Don and all Rotarians in Ashley's memory. Not only was Megan with us, but Ashley's younger sister, Kelly.
Rotary Club of Hout Bay was also honoured to have president Gavin Schachat of Sea Point Rotary Club, who is a great supporter of all the Ashley Kaimowitz Fund initiatives. District governor-elect Shan Biesman-Simons, a former AG to Rotary Club of Hout Bay was also present. The evening was made even greater by partners who attended, such as Margaret Kilbride, Sylvia Heath, Joyce McLaughlin, Ann Feuilherade and Margaret Walker and, of course, Marylyn Peters with the whole of Don's family.
Already, one award has been made by Stellenbosch Rotary to Susan Cairnie, an Ambassadorial Scholar at Stellenbosch University.The current nomination by past president Don Peters, as a charter member of Rotary Club of Hout Bay, is for an Ashley Award to be made by Rotary Club of Hout Bay to Hannah-Rose Smith, a grade-9 student at Rustenburg Girls High School.
Hannah-Rose has formed "Survivors of Crime" with another five other youngsters from our suburbs. Hannah-Rose has formed this voluntary organisation which is working with the Rondebosch Police Trauma Unit and making tremendous inroads to trauma counselling and help, servicing most of the southern suburbs.
As part of the nomination to Rotary Club of Hout Bay, the club has received a testimonial from Capt. Tony Penso of SAPS, Rondebosch, who commends Hannah-Rose to Rotarians for her work.
Don, you case goes forward to the next committee for not only recommendation but comendation on the great work work you have been doing and all Rotarian thanks go to you for another superbly organised event.